Cut-loose Kanell Looks To Dolphins

February 20, 1999|By MICHAEL SNYDER Special to the Sun-Sentinel

WESTON — Growing up in South Florida, Danny Kanell dreamed of playing for the Miami Dolphins.

It might yet happen.

One thing's for certain, Kanell, a former standout at Westminster Academy and Florida State, won't be playing for the Giants anymore after New York signed free-agent quarterback Kerry Collins to a four-year, $16million contract Friday. The Giants released Kanell to free up $2.1million under the salary cap.

Earlier in the week, New York coach Jim Fassel said he liked Kanell and that he had potential, but "he has to establish consistency."

Now, Kanell hopes he'll get that chance somewhere else.

"I think I'm pretty much done with the Giants right now, so I'm going to be looking for work," Kanell said.

The 25-year-old quarterback was among the sports and entertainment celebrities playing in the pro-am portion of the Dan Marino FirstPlus Financial Celebrity Invitational at Weston Hills Country Club.

"I'm a little bit shocked, a little disappointed," Kanell said. "I could have been successful there."

As a first-year starter in 1997, Kanell was 7-2-1 and helped lead the Giants to the NFC East title. But after the team struggled last season, Kanell was benched in favor of Kent Graham.

"I didn't get much of a chance, I only started 20 games," Kanell said.

"My first year, I led a team to a divisional title. The next year, I struggled a little bit, didn't get much help around me and, the next minute, I'm gone -- it's just the way the business goes."

Kanell said he had an inkling something might be in the works, especially with two years to go on a $9.3million contract that was scheduled to pay him $2.9million in 1999. "I thought I would just be asked to take a pay cut, and I would be there still, and have another chance to prove myself."

Since that won't happen, Kanell will likely have many options in a league where the quarterback position is becoming grayer every year. Playing for the Dolphins is clearly at the top of his list.

"Oh, I've thought about. I've dreamt about it a lot," said Kanell, whose father has been a doctor for the team. "I couldn't imagine a better scenario than coming down here and learning from Dan Marino] until he's done and picking up where he leaves off. So, we'll see what happens."

Dolphins coach Jimmy Johnson, at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, was unavailable for comment. The Dolphins finished last season with the untested Damon Huard as Marino's backup after Craig Erickson had to have elbow surgery. Johnson signed Erickson with the idea of making him Marino's heir apparent.

Todd Doxzon also has experience as an option quarterback in college, but is more valued for his skills on special teams, even though Johnson experimented with using him as short-yardage specialist.

"Danny's a good young quarterback and it's a shame what happened," Marino said. "He's going to play in this league for a long time and have a great career. For me, he's a friend so I'd love to see him here."

With room under the salary cap, the Dolphins could sign Kanell.

Both Kanell and Marino share the same agent, Marvin Demoff, who was traveling Friday and did not return messages.

"I'm just looking for an opportunity, and I'm going to work hard for somebody," Kanell said.

Marino reiterated his desire to play as long as he can. "I'd love to be able to play that long three years]. I believe, right now, I still have the competitive desire and I can still play at a high level, so I'll continue to play."

Despite the turn of events, Kanell isn't outwardly bitter. People at every level have doubted him since he first started playing football, and he eventually has been successful wherever he has gone. In 1990 as a junior, Kanell led Westminster to its only state championship, beating Jacksonville University Christian, in his first season of playing football. He backed up Charlie Ward when the Seminoles won their only national championship in 1994.

" The Giants] wanted to go in another direction," Kanell said. "Now, I have a little bit of motivation. I'm going to try and prove them wrong, and show them they made a mistake."